Smoke pipe cleanout opening



May 16, 1950 .1. J. BYRNES 2,507,885

SMOKE PIPE CLEANOUT OPENING Filed Oct. 15, 1948 Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT @EFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to a smoke pipe cleanout opening and a cover therefor, and has as its primary object the provision of an improved means for facilitating the cleaning out, examining, or otherwise providing access to the interior of stove pipes or the like.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character whereby ready access may be had to the interior of pipes covered with insulation or the like, without the necessity for removing or disassembling the stove pipe.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of the device of this character provided with means facilitating the insertation of instruments into the stove pipe, such as, for examples, a stack thermometer, a draft gauge, or the like.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and eflicient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble and utilize.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds and shown in the accompanying drawings wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a top plan view of one form of the device embodying features of the instant inventive concept, shown as applied to a stove pipe, portions of the latter being broken away.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of Figure l as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows, and

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Figure 2 but showing certain elements of the invention in position before completion of the assembly operation.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawmg.

Referring now to the drawin in detail there is generally indicated at '0 a stove pipe or similar cylindrical object in which is cut a circular aperture H, adapted for the reception of a cover seating frame generally indicated at l2. The frame i2 is preferably formed in flat condition, and subsequently pressed to form a peripheral outer flange l3, of arcuate cross-section terminating in an annulus [4 adapted to seat against the exterior of pipe H) at a substantial distance outwardly of the rim of the aperture l i. At a point adjacent the rim of the aperture H flange 13 is bent inwardly to form an annular channel or groove [5, the lower portion of which seats peripherally about the rim of opening ll. Adjacent the rim of aperture ll member i2 is provided with a shoulder-forming offset Hi, from which extends a cover seating annulus or flange H. The latter terminates in a depending flange l8 of substantial length, provided with spaced slots I!) that form bendable tongues. These tongues of the flange 98 may be bent from the position shown in Figure 4 to that disclosed in Figure 2, whereby the tongued flange I8 is seated and clinched against the underside of the periphery of aperture I l in such manner as to secure the member 12 in tight related assembly with the pipe.

The seating rim ll is adapted for the reception of the periphery of a cover member 2!), of normally circular configuration, and bent to conform to the curvature of pipe iii. Cover 29 is provided with a centrally positioned finger piece or knob 2|, secured in place in any desired manner as by a screw 22. The cover is adapted to be held in position by means of a split, resilient cover-retaining ring 23. The outwardly bent extremities of ring 23 serve as finger pieces and its intermediate portion is provided with a plurality of resilient arcuate portions 24. Ring 23 is adapted to seat in groove 15, the arcuate portions 24 overlying the cover to securely hold it in position against the shouldered seat ll, thus closing the aperture II.

Cover 25 is provided near its edge with an aperture or opening 25 adapted for the insertion of instruments, such as a stack thermometer, draft gauge or the like, the aperture being closed when not in use by means of a plate 25, pivotally mounted by means of a rivet 2'? for pivotally movement close to the plane of the cover 29 to open or close aperture 25 as desired. An offset portion 28 of spring retaining ring 23 serves to frictionally engage and hold cover plate 2% in its closed position.

From the foregoing the method of assembly and operation of the invention should now be readily understandable. As above mentioned a suitable aperture is first cut out of the stove pipe to which the device is to be applied, either at the factory or after installation, as may be desired, in which is inserted the frame member 12, depending fiange [8 being in the position as shown in Figure 4, facilitating ready insertion into the aperture. The flange i8 is then bent inwardly to the position disclosed in Figures 2 and 3, firmly clamping the periphery of the aperture in the stove pipe, and holding the flange assembly securely thereto. The cover plate 20 is next positioned thereon, and the spring wire 23 positioned in groove [5 by suitably compressing the ends thereof in a known manner. Obviously the cover may be removed by removing the spring ring, and when it is desired to insert an instrument into the pipe pivotally mounted cover 26 may be moved to permit access to the aperture 25.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided a device which accomplishes all the objects of this invention and others, including many advantages of practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made-of this inventive concept, nd as many modifications may curing said annulus in said aperture, a cover adapted to seat on said sea-ting flange, and a spring retaining wire seating in said groove to secure said cover seating member and :cover in related assembly.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the means for securing said annulus in said aperture include a depending flange having a series of slots therein to engage the periphery of said aperture interiorly of said pipe.

3. In a device adapted for insertion in an aperture in a stove pipe or the like, a cover seating member including an annulus having a groove therein and a cover seating flange, means for securing said annulus in said aperture, a covering having an aperture therein adapted to seat on said flange, a spring retaining wire seating in said groove to secure said member and said cover in related assembly, and a second cover pivotally secured to-said first mentioned cover for selectively opening and closing said second-mentioned aperture, said retaining wire having an offset portion adapted to overlie and frictionally engage said second-mentioned cover for holding said second-mentioned cover in closed position.

JOHN J. BYRNES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNI. ED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 53,251 Littlefield Mar. 13, 1866 295,432 Schilling Mar. 18, 1884 1,402,559 Wright Jan. 3, 1922 

